Middle School Writers Symposium 2020

Justina Chen

November 16-17, 2020

Storytelling runs in Justina Chen’s blood. After all, her middle name means illuminate, which is what story does: it throws light on a message. Justina is an award-winning author of six books for young adults. Her most recent novel, LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP, earned a starred review in Booklist. NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL was named one of the Best Books of the Year by Kirkus Reviews and was a finalist of 9 state book awards. And her debut novel, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (AND A FEW WHITE LIES), won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. A passionate advocate of literacy, Justina also co-founded readergirlz, a cutting-edge social media project for teens, which was awarded the National Book Foundation’s Prize for Innovations in Reading. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University where she won the Dean’s Award for Service. Justina has lived in Sydney and Shanghai, but calls Seattle her home. --http://justinachen.com/about/

On November 16, Ms. Chen will present an assembly to the whole Middle School during club block, as well as workshop with all 7th and 8th grade English classes on the 16th and 17th. Please contact Rebecca Moore with any questions (rmoore@overlake.org).

Photo Credit: Bethany Carnes